Max Ionata is one of the leading saxophonists on the Italian and international jazz scenes. He has recorded over one hundred albums, including seventeen as a bandleader, developing a personal language that blends jazz tradition with a constantly evolving sonic approach. He has performed at major festivals and jazz clubs worldwide, collaborating with internationally renowned artists such as Alvin Queen, Steve Grossman, Ali Jackson, Jimmy Haslip, Marvin “Smitty” Smith, Reuben Rogers, Clarence Penn, Joe Locke, Lenny White, Dado Moroni, Peter Bernstein, Gegè Telesforo, Enrico Pieranunzi, Greg Hutchinson and Roberto Gatto.
Among his awards are the Massimo Urbani Award, First Prize at Baronissi Jazz, the Audience Award at Tramplin Jazz d’Avignon, and multiple Jazzit Awards as Best Italian Tenor Saxophonist. Jazzlife Magazine (Japan) described him as “one of those saxophonists who have opened a new frontier in jazz”. Since 2021, he has been teaching Jazz Improvisation at the Pollini Conservatory in Padova.